"The removal of the bank vaults is one of the last significant milestones before we start to turn our attention to the next phase of the project, the construction of the new building, which we're extremely excited about."

Eric Linden, European director at Rockspring, added: "It's great to finally see the end in sight for the demolition phase of the project and we will soon start to see the new building rising from the ground."

Completed in 1976, the NatWest Tower was designed by renowned Birmingham architect John Madin and is one of many pieces of his work in the city which have been demolished or still face being razed.